Riding on trains

One of our daughters lives and works in Nepal, and although I was aware that there had been a railway in Nepal I didn't realise that it still operates.  Well, "operates" is probably an overly optimistic description of this railway's activity!!  It runs from the border with India at Jaynagar via the 'headquarters' at Janakpur to Bijalpura- a total distance of 53km, and it is 2' 6" gauge.

A ticket that I bought on ebay, probably pre 1968

My daughter travels around Nepal a lot with her work, but I'm fairly sure she won't be going on this train any time soon!  We plan to visit sometime, and it'd certainly be fun to track down this railway and fossick around the workshops.  There are rumours that several steam locomotives remain there in unservicable condition.  On Google Earth (what a great tool!!) to the southeast of Janakpur there is a station called Khajuri including some engine sheds, and it is said that there are still some locos here, including the two Garratts from the abandoned Amlekhganj line.  

Here's a picture of one of the Garratts taken while it was still in service.

Apparently there is a 'plan' to create a tourist railway close to Kathmandu using these locos, but I doubt this has happened yet.

Will we go there?  Will we be able to get to these very out-of-the-way places?  Watch this space!!

Next Century

As this post is starting a new century of Whistlestop blogs, plus the fact that it was my birthday yesterday, I thought it was time for another summary of progress.

Suffice to say that I am very happy overall with how things are going, perhaps with only one exception.  The exception is that the plans for the Trainbarn have not been forthcoming, although they are still 'promised'.  Obviously if things don't progress soon another avenue will need to be explored, but I'm still hopeful of a good result from this Engineer.

Otherwise, the good stuff!!  The Trainbarn site is completely ready for construction, with the exception of one big tree which needs to be removed.  I'll wait for the go-ahead with the plans before removing this.  Very satisfying indeed to see the large space all ready to go.  I can very much visualise what the Trainbarn will look like here- it'll be great!

I have also been working on my 'portable' layout, which will be in two main sections, plus two smaller side sections.  One main section is completely finished, and the other almost ready for painting.   I'm really happy with how these have turned out.  Mainly this layout will be British O gauge three rail, but can be used for anything.  As if to prove a point, I decided to set up my Scale/ Gauge collection of Santa Fe F-7A units- the first time they've all been together.

The smallest is Z scale, followed by N, TT, HO, S, O, 1 and G scale.  They will eventually be set up on their own board, which will have a blown-up photo of the Santa Fe's Super Chief behind it, and small placards explaining what scale and gauge each of the locos are.

Here's an overall photo of the board, with some other F-7 items added.

I'll make a curtain/skirt to go around the legs when it's finished.

Another really good thing that has been achieved is a lot of cleaning up in what is effectively our 'back-yard'.  There were three really big stacks of dead tea-tree and rubbish, and these were burnt, with appropriate permits!  Goodness, didn't they burn well, being quite dry!!  A lot of other brushcutting and mowing has been done in this area and it's looking really good.  We tend to look out from the cottage in this direction a lot (washing-up!) and it's really nice to have such an enjoyable view!!

The next project is to start widening the main track, clearing back the tea-tree scrub from each side to allow room for drains and the actual widening and surfacing of the track.  I'm looking forward to this very much!  Although it will be a big job, it can be done in stages as and when I'm inclined.  The clearing will open up 'views' of nice rocky outcrops and original, undisturbed bushland, which I know will eventually look great.  This main track, apart from being our 'driveway', will really be the main 'spine' of the whole Whistlestop project- connecting all the various aspects and areas.  It will eventually share this function with the Miniature Railway, but in the meantime it'll be great to have this attractive track winding through our bushland.

Good times ahead!!